Red Bull Announces Major 2026 Driver Roster: Hadjar Promoted, Youngster Lindblad Gets F1 Drive.
French driver Hadjar (left) started his career in Australia currently sitting 10th in the championship. British teen Lindblad (right) holds sixth place in the F2 championship.
Red Bull has announced a new line-up for the 2026 Formula 1 season, moving up French driver Isack Hadjar to its main squad and giving 18-year-old Briton Arvid Lindblad his maiden F1 drive.
The young driver, who has a Swedish father and a mother of Indian descent, will be team-mate to Kiwi driver Liam Lawson at the second team VCARB.
This reshuffling means Japan's Yuki Tsunoda being without a drive post a half-decade in F1.
A Star in the Making
The British teen participated in FP1 for the Silverstone and Mexican Grands Prix this year.
Lindblad has been marked out as a prodigy by Red Bull since he was 12 years old.
Regarding the company's young driver programme, a key advisor previously said that Lindblad "seems extremely gifted", praising his "raw pace".
The team has had a plan since last year to prepare Lindblad for his likely F1 debut in 2026, featuring runs in Grand Prix practice at Silverstone and Mexico City.
The rookie said it was a "proud moment", adding: "2026 will be a huge step, and I know there's a lot to learn, but I'm ready to collaborate with the team and meet the challenge. I can't wait to get started."
Lindblad has taken a couple of victories in F2 this year and is P6 in the standings heading into the final round in Abu Dhabi.
Hadjar's Big Break
Isack Hadjar celebrates his first podium in F1, secured at the Zandvoort race in August.
Hadjar's F1 career began on a low note when he crashed during the warm-up lap of the first Australian Grand Prix. But, from that point, he has been one of the stand-out newcomers of the year.
He included an remarkable top-three result at the Dutch Grand Prix, and he sits 10th in the drivers' standings.
The team principal commented: "Isack has shown impressive growth and demonstrated to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has the innate pace that is the primary necessity in this sport. We believe he can succeed next to Max."
Hadjar described it "an incredible opportunity" and said he felt "up for the challenge".
Tsunoda's Exit
For the seat at Racing Bulls, Red Bull have preferred Lawson over Tsunoda.
Lawson started 2025 with the main team but was moved back after just two races. However, he has settled back in at the junior outfit with notable results, persuading Red Bull he deserves more time.
Tsunoda, meanwhile, has been ejected after a disappointing season. His highest finish is a P6, and he has accumulated a minor percentage of the team's constructors' championship.
The driver market moves confirm that there is also no spot on the Red Bull academy for Ireland's Alex Dunne, who will continue in F2 next season.
